Elderly Patients’ Experiences with Antihypertensive Side Effects and Medication Adherence
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Abstract
Hypertension is a prevalent chronic condition that requires long-term medication management, with antihypertensive drugs commonly prescribed to elderly patients. However, side effects from these medications can significantly affect patients’ adherence to treatment, leading to poor health outcomes. Despite extensive research on adherence, little is known about the subjective experiences of elderly patients regarding the emotional and cognitive impact of these side effects. In this study, we address this gap by exploring the lived experiences of elderly patients managing antihypertensive side effects through a phenomenological approach. Using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), we analyzed interviews with nine elderly patients (aged 65–79 years; 5 females and 4 males) who shared their experiences with medication side effects and pharmacist counseling. Our findings reveal that side effects are not just physical but also evoke feelings of fear, frustration, and uncertainty, along with cognitive challenges in remembering medication schedules, all of which impact adherence. Furthermore, effective pharmacist-patient communication emerged as a crucial facilitator for improving understanding, reducing anxiety, and promoting adherence. These insights contribute to a deeper understanding of the subjective factors influencing medication adherence, highlighting the need for patient-centered care in the management of chronic illnesses. However, this study is limited by its small sample size and single-site setting, which may restrict generalizability. This study paves the way for future research exploring the role of emotional support and communication in improving medication adherence among elderly populations.
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